For those new to the Gig Buddies concept, we tackle social isolation for adults (18+) with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism.
We achieve our objective by pairing up adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism with a volunteer, both of whom share a mutual interest(s); age, gender and location preferences are also taken into consideration.
Essentially, it’s about adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and/or autism attending mainstream events with a friend rather than with a support worker or a relative. Furthermore, we emphasise that the volunteer benefits just as much as the buddy - this is all about expanding social circles, meeting new people and trying new experiences.
For those wanting to know more about the volunteer journey, it goes a little something like this:
Volunteers firstly submit an online application via our website. Upon receiving the form we then look through our database, trying to find a suitable buddy to match with.
Volunteers are then invited to training, beginning with an online segment and followed by a face-to-face component.
In total, training takes around three hours to complete. The online component focuses on your role as a volunteer and offers an introduction to the Gig Buddies program, while the face-to-face element covers safeguarding, the importance of empowerment and effective communication, and ‘what would you do’ type scenarios.
And the next steps… 👣👣
Upon completing training, volunteers are required to submit a police check / NDIS Worker Screening Check. We also require two personal references; these are provided as part of the online application.
Finally, with the all the formalities out of the way we then organise a pairing meeting between buddy and volunteer, facilitated by a Gig Buddies staff member. Issues pertinent to the pairing are discussed: where will we go, how will we get there, where will we meet and swapping of contact details are just some of the things covered.
If you would like to know more about the sign up process, click on the video above.
Can we tempt you?
If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer with Gig Buddies Central Coast, you can submit an online application by clicking here.
In terms of where the face-to-face training takes place, we are in a position where we can hire out co-workspaces across Central Coast. This provides flexibility for those living within the region.
The aim of our training sessions is for the volunteer to come away more knowledgeable about their role. We’ll strive to allay any apprehensions and stress the importance that everyone has the right to be socially included in their community.
Let’s get connected
If you’d like to know more about our training process, feel free to drop us an email: info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or you can get in touch by SMS/phone call on 0402 708 814.
Act up for the camera 🎬
As mentioned last Monday, each and every week we invite buddies and volunteers to connect with one another courtesy of our online games.
This week we offer you the chance to join us for a round of charades.
Drama and acting skills at the ready, we’re guessing words against the clock.
To join us on Thursday, click on the link listed below.
Thursday 29/4
- 4pm: Gig Buddies charades
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Central Coast coordinator
Would you like more information about Gig Buddies Central Coast? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
Gig Buddies Central Coast is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.